"There are fewer crowds to contend with at Brews & Bites, a block-long bar across from Merchandise Mart, than at some of the other places on this guide. And apart from the usual Riverwalk-makeshift kitchen suspects, like hot dogs, sandwiches, and a double patty smashburger with the right ratio of char to juiciness, there are also bowls of pasta. Or, get one of their solid sweet or savory crepes. They're made-to-order, and go well with an Art On The Mart show." - veda kilaru
Brews & Bites Review - Loop - Chicago - The Infatuation
"Forget trying to get a table along the Riverwalk at places like Tiny Tapp or City Winery during the peak post-work evening rush. Luckily, there are fewer crowds to contend with at Brews & Bites, a bar across from Merchandise Mart. The block-long patio has a bunch of tables where you can post up with a beer or canned cocktail and take in the sounds of summer—Dua Lipa hits and the Brown line thundering up Wells. And apart from your usual Riverwalk-makeshift kitchen suspects, like hot dogs, sandwiches, and a surprisingly delicious double patty smashburger with the right ratio of char to juiciness, there are also bowls of pasta. Or, get one of their solid sweet or savory crepes. They're made-to-order, and go well with an Art On The Mart show.
photo credit: Brews & Bites
photo credit: Veda Kilaru
photo credit: Brews & Bites
photo credit: Brews & Bites" - Veda Kilaru
One of my favorite dishes here is smash burger😋
Each bite melts in mouth, hard to stop tbh…
All food and drinks are highly quality, very balanced, fresh and easy for stomach if you planning to be active after meal. Virgin strawberry mojito can complement delicious lunch and deserts, like crapes or ice creams.
Wanna grab just small bites? Yes! Lots of options in the menu:)
Need food to go-sure ! 😎
Warm cozy spot in the middle of crowd city..
Easy to book online event reservations with large groups of people for different events, pet friendly, lots of space for family /friends time.
Very casual atmosphere all day !
“Art on Mart” video/sound projection show on Merchandise Mart is complimentary for the rest of the week from Thursday-Sunday 9-9:30pm. Nice stop before the end of the day during the summer season..
Chicago needs places like this! 🙌
Bits or Bites
Google
This is the perfect spot to watch the light show on The MART. And it was reasonably priced for good portions! And you are right on the river walk with a beautiful view.
The loaded nachos genuinely made my day!
What we ordered:
- Loaded Nachos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
- Pesto Chicken Sandwich ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5
Neda Bridgeman
Google
The best veggie sandwich I’ve ever had. These ladies suggested and made it.
The service is spotty. We ordered white wine and it was warm.
Center Stage Dance Co
Google
Fantastic night on the river. Sarah was so sweet and attentive. We Watched the art on the mart and she was so nice while we ate and drank and Enjoyed the gorgeous view. Burger and fries were amazing. Thank you!
Lianne Foley
Google
My husband and our dog had a great time here! Awesome vibe on the river. The food was so good! It is nice to have some healthier options on the river walk! The drink menu is was perfect. The staff was super friendly and helpful and took great care of our dog! We can’t wait to come back!
Brad J (-b)
Google
** update 5.16.25 **
1st customer on their 1st day open this season! arguably the best smash burger on the riverwalk. 🍔
*********
can't beat a true Chicago dog on the riverwalk with a free Merchandise Mart light show!
Angela Tomiak
Google
We hosted out wedding welcome event here and wow, I cannot say enough good things.
From the moment we met the team they were kind, accommodating and went above and beyond for us. We hosted about 120 people with food, music, open bar and speeches. The food was delicious and the venue even provided linens, high boys and floral for us. We had endless compliments on the event and the venue speaks for itself. I could not recommend Brews & Bites enough for a casual day out or to host an event!
Sanjay Joshi
Google
We visited the River Walk for the first time and decided to get something to eat at Brews & Bites. Ordered a Chicago Dog and a Veggie Sandwich. Both were outstanding. The Chicago Dog was just perfect with all the condiments going well with each other. Sandwich was very good too.
Price is reasonable, service was a bit slow but maybe because of the crowd. Worth visiting.
Jazmine P.
Yelp
We went this summer and I'm still thinking about that pesto sandwich! It was such a simple sandwich but they made sure it was flavorful and filling. My friend said the burger was really delicious too. The drinks and dessert were good. Service was fast and efficient. Oh, and the view? BREATHTAKING. It's on the riverwalk so prime time location for a meal with some sight seeing.
Shikha T.
Yelp
This was my first time eating a Chicago hotdog! It was good I can say. The place I think is more about the lovely ambience, the perfect view of the river and Merchandise Mart and the open seating area. The service was great though and I also loved their drink menu and the selection of different beers. Me and my friend had a Modelo, Jack Daniel's whiskey mixed with Coca Cola (comes in a can apparently which I didn't know) and each had a hotdog chicken and beef.
Tom R.
Yelp
Was looking for a location down by the Riverwalk that we could watch the Art on the Mart free light show and found this Brews & Bites establishment directly across from the show. The staff was very welcoming and suggested the crêpe Suzette for my wife and I had the mushroom ravioli. Both were excellent and the service was great. Don't miss the light show. It also was great.
Jeffrey W.
Yelp
Food was fantastic, got a Chicago Dog and it was fresh and Flavorful, staff were awesome and a good spot, enjoy ur food while watching a free show on the face of the Merchandise Mart, Ambiance of the location is awesome, remember u get the chicago dog, u cant put ketchup on it, its also card only, overall would eat their again
K. Michiko R.
Yelp
Great food! Great service! And a fabulous view of the river! The crepes are delicious and tastes just like the ones made in France. Very authentic! The mushroom ravioli is very good. The food comes out quick too!
Ethel K.
Yelp
Great food and great ambience, especially at night when viewing art on the mart. Will definitely go back this year. Also great service.